The Classic Biscuit Everyone Should Know How to Make

buttermilk

🥗Healthier: low-fat yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Yogurt provides tanginess with fewer calories.

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and adds a subtle flavor.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: self-rising flour

Whole wheat adds fiber and nutrients.

baking powder

🥗Healthier: baking soda + cream of tartar

💰Cheaper: baking powder substitute

Common pantry items can replace baking powder.

Coat a cast iron skillet with about 1 tablespoon of Crisco or shortening, using a spatula to cover all surfaces.

In a bowl, add 3 cups of self-rising flour and 1/2 cup of shortening.

Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the shortening into the flour until crumbly, but not completely dissolved.

Make a well in the flour and slowly add cold buttermilk into the well.

Gently fold the flour into the buttermilk, being careful not to overwork the dough.

Continue adding buttermilk until about 1 1/2 cups is used, ensuring the dough is sticky but not wet.

Dust your hands with flour and grab a handful of dough to form into a biscuit, shaping them into rounds without rolling them.

Place the biscuits into the skillet without pressing down too hard, aiming for about 8 biscuits.

Sprinkle the tops with a little more flour and pat them down slightly.

Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

While the biscuits bake, prepare bacon gravy by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding 2 tablespoons of salted butter and 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.

Melt the butter and bacon fat together, then add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk until the roux bubbles and darkens.

Add 2 cups of milk to the roux, whisking constantly until smooth and thick.

Season the gravy with salt and a hefty grind of black pepper, then add chopped bacon if desired.

Remove the skillet with the biscuits from the oven and check for golden brown color.

Split the biscuits down the middle and top with bacon gravy, or serve with jam and butter if preferred.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens